Chapter 199: Introducing a new system

    [Bonus Chapter]

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    (3rd Person POV)

    Robert watched helplessly as his carefully orchestrated plan crumbled. Arthur''s generous offer had completely changed the protest''s momentum.

    "Don''t fall for his tricks!" Robert shouted desperately, waving his arms at the news cameras. "He''s just trying to manipulate you all!"

    But the protesters had already begun exchanging thoughtful looks. One by one, they turned away from Robert.

    "We need work, not more protests," a demon worker said firmly.

    "This young man''s offering real opportunities," an elderly demon added. "Better than standing here shouting all day."

    Seeing his influence evaporating, Robert swallowed his pride. "Fine," he managed through gritted teeth. "Let''s see if the exiled prince keeps his word about these jobs."

    Arthur''s smile never wavered as he gestured to nearby employees carrying stacks of application forms. "Choose whatever position interests you. We provide paid training for all roles, whether at Hellfire Electronics or Hellscape Center."

    The cameras rolled as protesters approached Arthur, offering awkward thanks and apologies for their earlier hostility. The demonstration had transformed into an impromptu job fair.

    Surrounded by reporters, Arthur spoke with practiced ease. "Computers aren''t here to replace workers - they''re tools to make work easier and more efficient. When implemented properly, they boost our kingdom''s economic growth." He continued fielding questions until the last reporter departed, knowing he''d turned a potential crisis into a public relations triumph.

    Back inside Hellfire HQ, Firfel and the others greeted Arthur with newfound admiration.

    "Offering them jobs was unexpected, but brilliant," Firfel said warmly. "You turned enemies into potential allies."

    "The computer market will expand rapidly," Arthur replied with a knowing smile. "We''ll need the additional workforce to meet production demands. This protest actually solved our upcoming staffing needs."

    ***

    By the next day, public opinion had shifted dramatically. Those who''d condemned Arthur for job displacement now praised his commitment to creating employment opportunities.

    The majority of applicants gravitated toward Hellfire Electronics'' factory positions, eager to be part of the growing computer industry. A smaller number sought positions at Hellscape Center''s various branches as cashiers.

    After they stammered greetings, Arthur smiled warmly. "Ladies and gentlemen," he addressed his guests, "these employees will demonstrate our new price-checking system that makes the current Runestring Engraving System obsolete."

    The visiting demons watched with interest as Arthur turned to the cashiers. "Show them how our light-reading system and computer make price-checking instantaneous." He lowered his voice conspiratorially. "These are business owners and representatives- impress them and you''ll earn yourselves a raise."

    The trainees exchanged nervous glances, surprised by the impromptu demonstration request. But the promise of extra pay steeled their resolve.

    Jacob cleared his throat nervously, facing the assembled business leaders. "Respected people," he began, holding up the scanning device, "This is called..." He glanced at the label quickly, "a barcode scanner."

    While his colleagues played customer roles, Jacob continued, "It reads these striped markings on items, and instantly displays the price on the computer screen..."

    He demonstrated the process repeatedly, showing how each scan immediately registered prices and how the computer''s calculator function automatically tabulated the total. The business owners maintained neutral expressions, but their eyes revealed growing interest in this new and unfamiliar system.

    The demonstration''s efficiency particularly caught the attention of Arthur''s established partners. Dulo from HOLLOW and Harry from Waves Corporation exchanged meaningful glances.

    "I must say," Dulo spoke up, "this surpasses Dwalric Corporation''s Runestring Engraving System in both speed and convenience. The efficiency improvement is remarkable."

    "The simplified marking system is genius," another owner added. "Using printed stripes instead of expensive rune engravings? That''s a significant."

    Arthur nodded in confirmation. "We''ve developed printers and computer software to generate these ''barcodes'' easily."

    Though terms like "software" still mystified many present, one fact became clear - this system would cost significantly less than Dwalric''s magical price-checking equipment. The implications for retail operations were staggering.

    The visiting business leaders began calculating potential savings, while Dwalric Corporation''s expensive system suddenly seemed outdated.

    The Dwalric Corporation had revolutionized retail a century ago with their Runestring Engraving System. Worth 35 billion dollars, they held a global monopoly - every retail establishment worldwide relied on their Runescriber Decoders, and majority of products carried their patented Rune-based patterns.

    Their control was absolute. Companies worldwide paid royalties for using their Rune-based patterns, with no alternatives available. Until now.

    As the business owners watched the barcode demonstration, they recognized a seismic shift approaching in retail technology.

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